Notable People of Milford Township

Notable People

Walter Emmons "Smokey" Alston

Walter Emmons "Smokey" Alston (1911-1984) achieved fame in baseball, notably as the sole manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1954 to 1957, leading them to a triumphant World Series victory in 1955. He continued his managerial career with the L.A. Dodgers from 1958 to 1976, leaving a mark on the sport. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.

Beyond his amazing Major League Baseball career, Alston was deeply engaged in the Milford Township community during his residence in Darrtown, Ohio. Moving there during his adolescence, he found ample opportunity to hone his baseball skills on local sandlots. At Darrtown High School, he excelled as captain of both the basketball and baseball teams, notably aiding the 1928 baseball team in securing the Butler County championship.

Walter graduated from high school in 1929, just two years after electric power arrived in Darrtown. Alston proceeded to enroll at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In 1930, he married Lela Alexander. Though his freshman year at Miami was cut-short by the Great Depression, he returned in the fall of 1932 and participated in varsity baseball and basketball.

Upon earning his teaching degree in 1935, Alston accepted a teaching position with the New Madison School District in Drake County, Ohio. Subsequently, he seized the opportunity to play professional minor league baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, a career he balanced with teaching during the winter months. While his major league playing career was brief, marked by just one game with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1936, he found enduring success as a manager.

Each year of his tenure managing the Brooklyn Dodgers, Alston returned to Darrtown, sharing the tales of his experiences with locals, including his team's appearances and victories in the World Series.

For more information about Walter Alston's life and legacy, including photos and local news stories, please visit Darrtown's biography on Walter Alston.

Marie Miller Schmidt

Marie Schmidt (nee Miller), a native of Butler County, graduated from Reily High School before embarking on a teaching career. At the age of 20, she earned her teaching certificate from Miami University and commenced teaching in the fall of 1925. She later married Walter Schmidt.

Devoting herself to education, Mrs. Schmidt taught in Darrtown and Collinsville schools for an impressive 46 years, leaving a lasting and impactful mark on generations of students. Additionally, she volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Darrtown.

Throughout her tenure, she touched the lives of numerous Milford Township families, earning admiration and respect from the community. In recognition of her dedication and service, the Milford Township school in Collinsville was renamed "Marie Schmidt Elementary School." This institution later evolved into the foundation of the Milford Township Community Center.

Mrs. Schmidt's enduring legacy persists through the community center, which was acquired by the township for a symbolic $1.00 when the Talawanda Board of Education shuttered several rural schools decades ago. Her impact continues to resonate within the community, embodying the spirit of dedication and service.

Please visit Darrtown's biography on Mrs. Schmidt for further information about her life and contributions to the Milford Township community.

Mrs. Schmidt's portrait at the Milford Township Community Center

Mrs. Schmidt with her husband Walter

Myron T. "Tuffy" Potter

Myron T. "Tuffy" Potter (1903-1987) was the owner of a well-known and beloved sandwich shop near Miami University, "Tuffy's Sandwich Shop." The shop's infamous toasted rolls remain a tradition for Miami students today, despite the closing of the shop in 1973.

"Tuffy" spent much of his life in the Milford Township and Oxford areas. During his lifetime, he attended Miami University and was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He was a very active member in the Oxford community following his graduation, becoming a member of the Town Council from 1937-42 and becoming the president of the Council from 1939-40. From 1942-45, "Tuffy" was the Oxford Civil Defense Chairman. He was also a member of the Butler County rural zoning board and the Miami University airport zoning board.

For many years, "Tuffy" played Santa Claus for the local children of the community during the Christmas season.

He is buried at the Darrtown Cemetery.

"Tuffy" in front of Tuffy's Sandwich Shop, once located in Oxford, Ohio.

Earl "Red" Huber

Earl "Red" Huber, proprietor of the Hitching Post, was a prominent member of the Milford Township community from 1947 until his death in June 1982. He was a well-respected and beloved man amongst many, even holding a yearly Christmas party for the local children and playing "Santa" at these parties.

Red lived a very full life. After serving his country in World War II, he was active and present in his work with the Hitching Post, along with his various collections of items. One of his most prominent is his Walter Emmons "Smokey" Alston memorabilia collection. The two were close friends throughout their lives and The Hitching Post is a nod to Smokey Alston, and serves as a kind of museum in honor.